Method, apparatus and article for computational sequence generation and playing card distribution

Abstract

A computationally generated playing card sequence (e.g., pseudo-random, non pseudo-random, or partially pseudo-random) allows shuffled distribution of playing cards. Playing cards may be organized into card holders by at least one or a rank and a suit, and retrieved in the computationally generated order. Alternatively, playing cards may be organized into card holders in order of a computationally generated sequence, and retrieve as necessary. Unreadable playing cards may be automatically removed from play.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] This invention is generally related to games of skill and chance, and in particular to distributing playing cards for card games. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Card games are a well-known form of recreation and entertainment. Games are typically played with one or more decks of cards, where each deck typically includes 52 cards. Each deck of cards will typically include four suits of cards, including: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, each suit including fourteen cards having rank: 2-10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. Card games may, or may not, include wagering based on the game's outcome. [0005] Decks of playing cards must be periodically shuffled to prevent the same sequences of playing card from continually reappearing. Shuffling may take place after every card in the deck or decks has been dealt, for example after several hands have been played. Shuffling may also interfere with, and even prevent, a p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] In another aspect, a method, apparatus and article computationally generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence, and stores playing cards in order of the computationally generated pseudo-random playing card sequence, for later distribution.

[0012] In another aspect, a method, apparatus and article verifies and stores playing cards collected from participants such as players and dealer after play of one or more rounds or hands, for later distribution.

[0013] In a further aspect, a method, apparatus and article computationally generates a playing card sequence based on a desired house advantage, for example, adjusting the number of “virtual” decks of playing cards from which the defined playing card sequence is generated.

Problems solved by technology

Shuffling may also interfere with, and even prevent, a player from gaining an unfair advantage over the house or other players by counting cards.

In particular, current mechanical shuffling apparatus and methods are subject to incomplete shuffles due to the inherently mechanical nature of such devices.

Additionally, mechanical shufflers are limited in the total number of decks they can manipulate.

Images